1) In a mug or cup, mix the whisky, honey, lemon juice together.
2) Add the cloves, slice lemon, and the lemon zest.
3) Finally add the hot water and stir together.

Options:

A smoky Scotch such as Laphroaig gives the drink a different background nuance than a sweeter style Bourbon, which will be different from a spicy style Rye. There are no boundaries and requirements here and since there are enough flavors and spices in the drink, you don’t need to spend a mint or use your best Scotch.